FootballSporting edge thrilling clash

TWO goals from Chrisi Conway helped Sporting extend their unbeaten run to four matches with a hard fought success against Blackwood on Saturday.

Blackwood have encountered a difficult start to the season after winning promotion from Division One last season but with a number of new faces in the team they posed problems to the home side, particularly in the air.

It was the hosts who started the better though and they were ahead inside five minutes when Conway beat goalkeeper Jordan Ellis with an effort that found the top left corner.

Blackwood were not without chances though as Simon Hudson saw an effort cleared off the line and Gareth Evans' strike from long range was tipped against the bar.

The missed chances proved costly as Sporting doubled their lead through Matt Ross' powerful header but Blackwood fought back well.

Steve Nurse headed home to make it 2-1 and further pressure on Sporting's goal led to Harry Rickus heading past Tom Savage six minutes later.

Conway's second of the game a minute into the second half put Sporting ahead again but once more the lead was cancelled out when poor defending allowed Rickus to strike again.

The game could have gone either way at this point but as it was it was Sporting who netted the winner with 20 minutes left.

The impressive Elliot Nash made a fine run into the box where he was brought down and substitute Jon Rogers made no mistake from the spot, securing all three points at the same time.

Manager Keith Draper said afterwards: "Blackwood are a good side now, they’ve brought in some good players and their league position doesn’t reflect where they should be.

"It was a bit sloppy at the back today I thought, but it’s another home win and I’m happy with three points."